Droplet Size Analysis Research Articles

Formulation and Characterization of Emulgel Lornoxicam Containing Lemon Grass Oil as Penetration Enhancer.

Emulgel dosage form is an advanced form of transdermal drug delivery. It is a combination of emulsion and gel in a definite ratio. Emulsions are incorporated into the gel with proper mixing. The emulsion present in emulgel can be either oil/water or water/oil, which is thickened by mixing it with a gelling agent. On the basis of the solubility of lornoxicam in various oils, a surfactant and a co-surfactant were selected for further research. For the preparation of emulgel, the emulsion was prepared with Smix (surfactant and co-surfactant) in a ratio of 1:2. The prepared emulsion was incorporated into different concentrations of carbapol 934 in a 1:1 ratio to make a homogenous emulgel. The emulgel was inspected visually to see if it had any phase behaviour, spreadability, or grittiness by applying it to a slide. All formulations were evaluated for pH, physical properties, drug content, spreadability, extrudability, swelling index, viscosity, and centrifugation. Franz diffusion cell was used to perform in-vitro release of formulation with the help of egg membrane. Among all formulations, F3 showed 83% release after 6 hours and showed acceptable physical properties like homogeneity, colour, consistency, pH value, spreadability, extrudability, and drug content. Thus, emulgel can be regarded as a more feasible drug delivery system for hydrophobic drugs (lornoxicam) than the currently marketed formulation. Optimized emulgel formulation consists of a microemulsion of lornoxicam, 1% of carbopol 934, propylene glycol, sodium benzoate, lemon grass oil, glycerin, and distilled water. In the in-vitro release studies, pH 7.4 phosphate buffer emulgel formulation (F3) showed 83% after 6 hours. Emulgel was found to be stable under stable conditions. The emulgel of the poorly water-soluble drug (lornoxicam) was formulated. The components and their optimum ratio for the formulation of microemulsion were obtained by solubility studies and droplet size analysis. Thus, microemulsion can be regarded as a more feasible dose delivery system for lornoxicam than the currently marketed tablet, capsule, and injection formulations. Optimized microemulsion of lornoxicam was incorporated into the gel base. Therefore, it may be concluded that emulgel of lornoxicam can be used as a controlledrelease dosage form of the drug for local application in rheumatoid arthritis.

Developing Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems Comprising an Artemether-Lumefantrine Fixed-Dose Combination to Treat Malaria.

Despite attempts to control malaria, poor drug bioavailability means malaria still places enormous pressure on health globally. It has been found that the solubility of highly lipophilic compounds can be enhanced through lipid formulations, e.g., self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDSs). Thus, quality-by-design and characterization were used to justify the development and determine the feasibility of oral oil-in-water SEDDSs comprising a fixed-dose combination (FDC) of artemether-lumefantrine to treat malaria more effectively without the aid of a fatty meal. These formulations were compared to a commercial product containing the same active compounds. Excipient compatibility and spontaneous emulsification capacity of different FDC-excipient combinations were identified by employing isothermal microcalorimetry, solubility, and water titration tests. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were constructed, and checkpoint formulations were selected within the self-emulsification region by reviewing formulation properties essential for optimized drug delivery. SEDDSs capable of enduring phase separation within 24 h were subjected to characterization experiments, i.e., drug concentration determination, cloud point, droplet size, size distribution, self-emulsification time, self-emulsification efficacy, viscosity, zeta potential, and thermodynamic stability analysis. SEDDSs with favorable characteristics were identified in the micro or nano range (SNEDDSs) before being subjected to drug release studies. All final formulations depicted enhanced artemether and lumefantrine release compared to the commercial product, which could not release lumefantrine at a quantifiable concentration in this study. The avocado oil (AVO)4:6 and olive oil (OLV)3:7 SNEDDSs overall portrayed the ideal characteristics and depicted the highest percentage of drug release. This study offers evidence that SNEDDSs from selected natural oils comprising an artemether-lumefantrine FDC can potentially enhance the bioavailability of these lipophilic drugs.

Factors, Mechanisms, and Kinetics of Spontaneous Emulsification for Heavy Oil-in-Water Emulsions.

In challenging reservoirs where thermal recovery falls short, cold or chemical oil recovery methods are crucial. Spontaneous emulsification (SE), triggered by gentle disturbance, significantly enhances oil recovery. In elucidating SE mechanisms and kinetics, SE processes via direct contact between oil and aqueous phases without stirring were conducted. The effects of temperature, emulsifier concentration, pH, NaCl concentration, and the oil-to-water ratio on SE were investigated through droplet size analysis and turbidity measurements. Furthermore, the emulsification mechanism and derived emulsification kinetics based on turbidity data were obtained. The results underscore the feasibility of SE for oil-water systems, reducing viscous and capillary resistances without agitation. The emulsified oil mass increased with the temperature, pH, and aqueous-to-oil phase volume ratio while decreasing with the NaCl concentration. In this study, for GD-2 crude oil, the optimal emulsified oil amount occurred at a betaine surfactant (BetS-2) emulsifier concentration of 0.45%. Microscopic photo analysis indicated narrow particle size distributions and small droplets, which remained stable over time under various experimental conditions. A combined SE mechanism involving ultralow interfacial tension, interfacial turbulence due to Marangoni effects, and "diffusion and stranding" due to in situ emulsifier hydrophilicity, was speculated. Additionally, an analogous second-order kinetic equation for SE was proposed, indicating exceptional correlation with calculated and experimentally measured values. This study offers theoretical insight for enhancing oil recovery in chemical and cold production of heavy oil in oilfields.

Near-field spray characteristics and steadiness of a novel twin-fluid injector with enhanced primary atomization

The present study investigates the effect of the internal swirling atomizing air on the injector near-field spray characteristics and spray stability of a novel twin-fluid injector named swirl burst (SB) injector by incorporating an internal swirl. It involves primary atomization by internal bubbling and bubble bursting, and external secondary atomization by shear layer instabilities. A previous design integrated an external swirl and successfully enhanced the secondary atomization. It generated fine droplets immediately, rather than a typical jet core/film of conventional airblast or pressure swirl atomizers. It thus resulted in compact and ultra-clean lean-premixed combustion of distinct fuels, potentially enabling small-core fuel-flexible combustors. The current work aims to further enhance the primary atomization. The near-field flow patten and droplet size distribution and dynamics are investigated using high-speed laser-driven shadowgraph imaging accompanied by the internal bubble visualization. Results reveal that the internal swirl leads to more uniform, smaller and faster-moving bubbles that concentrate at the internal liquid tube tip regardless of the increased flow rates, generating ultra-stable and finer sprays with a wider working range, compared to the injector without the internal swirl. The frequency spectrum analysis of droplet sizes consistently substantiates the significantly improved spray steadiness, enhancing clean spray combustion stability.

Nutraceutically-enhanced oral delivery of vitamin D3 via Bio-SNEDDS: Demonstrating in vivo superiority over pediatric formulations

BackgroundVitamin D3 (VD3) deficiency among children in Saudi Arabia remains a pressing concern due to its poor bioavailability and the limitations of current pediatric formulations. To address this challenge, we developed a groundbreaking pediatric self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (Bio-SNEDDS) for VD3, fortified with black seed oil and moringa seed oil for dual therapeutic benefits. Through meticulous formulation optimization using ternary phase diagrams and comprehensive testing, our Bio-SNEDDS demonstrated exceptional performance. MethodsBio-SNEDDS were manufactured by incorporating Black seed oil and moringa seed oil as bioactive nutraceutical excipients along with various cosurfactant and surfactants. Bio-SNEDDS were systematically optimized through ternary phase diagrams, visual tests, droplet size analysis, drug solubilization studies, dispersion assessments, and pharmacokinetic testing in rats compared to Vi-De 3®. ResultsPseudoternary phase diagrams identified oil blends producing large nanoemulsion regions optimal for SNEDDS formation. The optimized F1 Bio-SNEDDS showed a mean droplet diameter of 33.7 nm, solubilized 154.46 mg/g VD3 with no metabolite formation, and maintained >88% VD3 in solution during 24 h dispersion testing. Notably, in vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation at a high VD3 dose demonstrated an approximately two-fold greater relative bioavailability over Vi-De 3®, validating the superb oral delivery performance of Bio-SNEDDS even under challenging high-dose conditions. ConclusionsThe Bio-SNEDDS provides an effective VD3 delivery strategy with established in vivo superiority over marketed products, along with offering additional health benefits from the natural oils.

Itraconazole Self-Nano Emusifying Drug Delivery System for Enhancement of Solubility

The main objective of formulation is to enhance the bioavailability of the drug within the body. Some of the challenging subjects associated with poorly water-soluble drugs concern solubility and bioavailability factors. To overcome these problems, new technologies, such as lipid-based drug delivery systems including micro or nano emulsifying drug delivery system, have obtained importance in recent years, due to their enhanced solubility and bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract. Such systems are solubilized within the lipid excipients or mixed with oils or surfactants/co-solvents to facilitate the solubility and absorption rate, which can enhance the bioavailability of the targeted drug. The research was targeted to develop a self-Nano Emulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) for oral bioavailability enhancement of BCS II antifungal drug Itraconazole. Nano Emulsions are consignment methods that improve the solubility and distribution of lipid medicines to the intended areas. SNEDDS of Itraconazole were developed using Castor oil, Tween 20 as surfactant and PEG 200 as co-surfactant. SNEDDS formulation can be obtained through phase diagram approach. Pseudo Ternary phase diagrams were constructed, using Chemix software, to optimize the concentrations of excipients. Thermodynamic stability studies were satisfactory. Robustness to dilution did not exhibit phase separation and drug precipitation. The Among 4 formulations, B1F3 formulation showed more than 95% of drug content and were considered superior and subjected to droplet size analysis and zeta potential measurement. Droplet size ranged from 120 nm to 505 nm. The Nano size was obtained for formulation. The zeta-potential results indicated the range -35 mV. Based on all evaluation tests, formulation B2F3 was chosen as the best. Thus, this self-Nano Emulsifying drug delivery system should be an effective oral dosage form for improving oral bioavailability of lipophilic drug Itraconazole.

An innovative Pickering W/O/W nanoemulsion co-encapsulating hydrophilic lysozyme and hydrophobic Perilla leaf oil for extending shelf life of fish products

A Pickering water-in-oil-in-water nanoemulsion co-encapsulating lysozyme (LYS) and Perilla leaf oil (PO) was prepared using whey protein isolate-tannin acid conjugated nanoparticles (WPI-TA NPs) as emulsifiers, called LYS-PO-NE, and subsequently analyzed. The nano size and multiple phases was confirmed based on the results of confocal laser scanning microscope, scanning electron microscope, and droplet size analysis. LYS-PO-NE had high encapsulation efficiencies of 89.36 % (PO) and 43.91 % (LYS) and both could be released at a slow and continuous rate. The PO addition increased the droplet size, and the LYS addition delayed the release of PO. LYS-PO-NE also showed good storage, pH, thermal, and salt stability, and an effective combined bactericidal activity of LYS and PO against spoilage bacteria. Furthermore, the results of chilled salmon storage experiments indicated that LYS-PO-NE could extend the shelf life of chilled salmon to at least 6 days, demonstrating the potential in the shelf life for fish products.

Improved antioxidant activity and delivery of peppermint oil Pickering emulsion stabilized by resveratrol-grafted zein covalent conjugate/quaternary ammonium chitosan nanoparticles

Novel nanoparticles (Z-R/H) were successfully fabricated by a resveratrol-grafted zein covalent conjugate (Z-R) combined with quaternary ammonium chitosan (HTCC), which were used as stabilizers to prepare peppermint oil (PO) Pickering emulsions with antioxidant activity. HTCC effectively adjusted wettability of Z-R conjugate, and three-phase contact angle of Z-R/H3:1 was moderate (95.01°). The influencing factors of Pickering emulsion formation, including volume fraction of PO, concentration of Z-R/H, and mass ratio of Z-R to HTCC, were evaluated by droplet size, ζ-potential, microscopic observation, and stability index analysis. Pickering emulsions stabilized by Z-R/H3:1 showed excellent physical stability under heat treatment. Z-R/H nanoparticles adsorbed on the oil-water interface yielded a dense filling layer as a physical barrier to improve the emulsion stability, which was validated by confocal laser-scanning microscopy. After 4 weeks of storage, retention rate of PO in Pickering emulsion stabilized by Z-R/H3:1 remained high (72.1 %). Electronic nose analysis showed that Z-R/H3:1-stabilized emulsion effectively prevented volatilization of PO aroma components. Additionally, PO and Z-R/H nanoparticles provided an additive antioxidant effect of Pickering emulsions against DPPH and ABTS free radicals. In summary, these novel Z-R/H nanoparticle offer promising applications as a stabilizer with great potential in preparing functional Pickering emulsions to improve essential oil delivery.

Combine Effect of Blade Type of Blower and Speed of Operation on Droplet Size in Air Assisted Orchard Sprayer

Droplet size analysis of orchard sprayer having axial flow blower was carried out to determine the changes in droplet size at different blade types and speed of operation. Droplet size analysis was carried out at two different positions (Outer and Inner) of crop canopy and at three different heights (Top, Middle, Bottom) of each crop canopy. On outer canopy, at top position, at speed of operation 2.5 km/h, 3.0 km/h and 3.5 km/h the droplet size decreased by 6.5 %, 7.6 % and 10.3 % respectively when the blade was changes from blade type 1 to blade type 2. When the blade was changes from blade type 1 to blade type 2 in combination of speed of operation 2.5 km/h, 3 km/h and 3.5 km/h the droplet size decreased by 6.2 %, 7.3 % and 8.6 % and 5.4 %, 6.8 % and 9.0 % for middle and bottom position. On inner canopy, at top position, when the blade type was changes from blade type 1 to blade type 2 at speed of operation 2.5 km/h, 3.0 km/h, 3.5 km/h, then the droplet size decreased by 7.3 %, 9.2 % and 10.2 % respectively. Whereas at middle position the droplet size decreased by 7.1 %, 7.6 % and 9.0 % respectively. Similar trend was observed in bottom position and decrease in values of droplet size was 5.6 %, 7.1 % and 8.9 % observed respectively. Keywords: Droplet Size, orchard sprayer, axial flow blower, crop canopy.

New Insights into the Dermocosmetic Potential of the Red Seaweed Gelidium corneum.

This work addresses the potential of the red seaweed Gelidium corneum as a source of bioactive ingredients for skin health and wellness in response to the growing awareness regarding the significance of sustainable strategies in developing new nature-based dermocosmetic products. Hydroalcoholic extracts from the dried biomass were subjected to sequential liquid-liquid partitions, affording five different fractions (F1-F5). Their cosmetic potential was assessed through a set of in vitro assays concerning their antioxidant, photoprotective, and healing properties. Additionally, their cytotoxicity in HaCaT cells and their capacity to induce inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells were also evaluated. As a proof-of-concept, O/W emulsions were prepared, and emulsion stability was assessed by optical microscopy, droplet size analysis, centrifugation tests, and rheology analysis. Furthermore, in vivo tests were conducted with the final formulation to assess its antioxidant capacity. At subtoxic concentrations, the most lipophilic fraction has provided photoprotection against UV light-induced photooxidation in HaCaT cells. This was conducted together with the aqueous fraction, which also displayed healing capacities. Regarding the physical and stability assays, the best performance was achieved with the formulation containing 1% aqueous extract, which exhibited water retention and antioxidant properties in the in vivo assay. In summary, Gelidium corneum displayed itself as a potential source of bioactive ingredients with multitarget properties for dermatological use.

Encapsulation of alpha arbutin, a depigmenting agent, in nanosized ethosomes: Invitro and invivo human studies

Alpha arbutin is a skin-whitening agent in cosmetics. Structurally, it is 4-hydroxyphenyl-α-glucopyranoside. Ethosomes encourage the formation of lamellar-shaped vesicles with improved solubility and entrapment of whitening agents. The objective of this study was to fabricate an optimized nanostructured ethosomal gel loaded with alpha arbutin for the treatment of skin pigmentation.Different ethosomal suspensions of alpha arbutin were prepared by the cold method. Invitro evaluation included zeta potential, droplet size analysis, polydispersity index, entrapment efficiency (EE), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Stability studies of the optimized ethosomal and control gels were performed for three months under different temperature conditions. The optimized ethosomal gel loaded with alpha arbutin was further analyzed on human volunteers for skin benefits by measuring melanin level, moisture content and elasticity.It was concluded that the optimized formulation had a size, zeta potential, polydispersity index and entrapment efficiency of 196.87 nm, −45.140 mV, 0.217 and 93.458343%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) depicted spherical ethosomal vesicles. Stability data was obtained in terms of pH and conductivity. Rheological analysis revealed non-Newtonian flow. The cumulative drug permeated for ethosomal gel was 78.4%. Moreover, encapsulation of alpha arbutin causes significant improvement in skin melanin, moisture content and elasticity.The overall findings suggested that the arbutin-loaded ethosomal formulation was stable and could be a better approach than conventional formulation for cosmeceutical purposes such as for depigmentation and moisturizing effects.

Effect of Y-jet nozzle geometry and operating conditions on spray characteristics and atomizer efficiency

The investigation and optimization of the atomizer nozzle design are paramount for an efficient atomization performance. Motivated by internal mixing atomizers used in FCC-reactors in the oil industry, the present work aims to improve the gas-liquid mixing process promoted by a specific design of the Y-jet nozzle by investigating the impact of key geometric parameters. The performance assessment is conducted by investigating the internal mixing chamber pressure, high-speed images of the spray, and the analysis of droplet size and velocity spatial distributions. The investigation considers industrially representative operating conditions as opposed to the lower mass flow rates typically employed in lab-scale investigations. The geometry variation considers the length and opening angle of the internal mixing chamber, as well as the impingement angle between the gas and the liquid jets inside the atomizer nozzle. A particular geometric characteristic of the utilized nozzles is the mixing-chamber conical geometry, distinguishing them from conventional cylindrical geometries. The impact of the nozzle geometry and operation parameters on atomization efficiency and spray homogeneity are the main outcomes of this approach. Overall, nozzles with shorter mixing chambers promote more efficient atomization combined with small droplet sizes and a more homogeneous spray.

Microscopic Droplet Size Analysis (MDSA) of "Five Thieves' Oil" (Olejek Pięciu Złodziei) Essential Oil after the Nebulization Process.

Nowadays, due to a higher resistance to drugs, antibiotics, and antiviral medicaments, new ways of fighting pathogens are intensively studied. The alternatives for synthesized compositions are natural products, most of which have been known in natural medicine for a long time. One of the best-known and intensively investigated groups are essential oils (EOs) and their compositions. However, it is worth noting that the method of application can play a second crucial part in the effectiveness of the antimicrobial activity. EOs possess various natural compounds which exhibit antimicrobial activity. One of the compositions which is based on the five main ingredients of eucalyptus, cinnamon, clove, rosemary, and lemon is named "five thieves' oil" (Polish name: olejek pięciu złodziei) (5TO) and is used in natural medicine. In this study, we focused on the droplet size distribution of 5TO during the nebulization process, evaluated by the microscopic droplet size analysis (MDSA) method. Furthermore, viscosity studies, as well as UV-Vis of the 5TO suspensions in medical solvents such as physiological salt and hyaluronic acid, were presented, along with measurements of refractive index, turbidity, pH, contact angle, and surface tension. Additional studies on the biological activity of 5TO solutions were made on the P. aeruginosa strain NFT3. This study opens a way for the possible use of 5TO solutions or emulsion systems for active antimicrobial applications, i.e., for surface spraying.

Preparation of cinnamaldehyde nanoemulsions: Formula optimization, antifungal activity, leaf adhesion, and safety assessment

Plant essential oils have become an increasingly popular topic in agriculture due to their outstanding fungicidal activity, good biocompatibility and abundance of sources. Cinnamaldehyde is found in cinnamon essential oil and has good antifungal activity, but cinnamaldehyde also has negative characteristics such as high volatility, poor water solubility and easy oxidative degradation, which seriously hinder the potential of its antimicrobial properties and its application in agriculture. In this study, the effects of the surfactant ratio, concentration and emulsification method on the stability of cinnamaldehyde nanoemulsions were systematically investigated by observing the sample appearance, mean droplet size and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. The results showed that the optimal formula of cinnamaldehyde nanoemulsion was a surfactant (R5:848) ratio of 1:1 and a concentration of 7%, and the emulsification method was E1: adding dropwise aqueous phase (deionized water) to the oil phase (cinnamaldehyde + surfactant). Cinnamaldehyde nanoemulsions showed good antifungal activity against rice sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani), wheat sheath blight (Rhizoctonia cerealis) and wheat take-all (Gaeumannomyces graminis). The nanoemulsions also had excellent wetting properties on rice and wheat leaves, higher biosafety for nontarget environmental organisms such as zebrafish and earthworms, low cytotoxicity to human BASE-2B cells, and no inhibition of germination and growth of wheat and rice. The results of this research provide important ideas for the design of efficient, safe and environmentally friendly plant-derived fungicides.

Lipolytic behavior and bioaccessibility of curcumin nanoemulsions stabilized by rice bran protein hydrolysate

This study aimed to use rice bran protein hydrolysate (RBPH)-stabilized curcumin nanoemulsions, compared with rice bran protein (RBP), to investigate digestion in the oral and gastrointestinal tracts and to investigate the effect of each digestion factor (pepsin, bile salts, pancreatic lipase) on the lipolysis rate and curcumin bioaccessibility of oil-in-water emulsions. After the enzymatic hydrolysis with the 3% degree of hydrolysis, the protein molecules tended to be looser and disordered. The droplet size analysis results indicated that during oral digestion the RBPH nanoemulsion showed extensive flocculation from 216 ± 2 nm to 1208 ± 81 nm, while 259 ± 2 nm to 383 ± 4 nm for the RBP nanoemulsion. During gastric digestion, the conformation of the protein emulsifier, especially RBPH, was destroyed by pepsin according to SDS-PAGE. During the simulated small intestine digestion, the RBPH emulsion obtained higher lipolysis rate (107 ± 2%) and bioaccessibility of curcumin (42.4 ± 0.1%). Moreover, the influence degrees of different factors on the in vitro digestion were obtained as follows: pancreatic lipase (oil digestion) > bile salt (micellization) > pepsin (emulsifier digestion). These studies contributed to the construction of an effective delivery system for bioactive compounds based on rice bran protein.

Effect of freezing-air thawing pretreatment of cutting fluid wastewater on the organics' distribution, transfer and transformation

The cutting fluid wastewater was treated by freezing-air thawing method. After thawing, stable stratification occurred in the thawing wastewater, and the froth floated on the liquid surface, and the liquid from top to bottom was divided into the first layer, the second layer, the third layer and the fourth layer. The molecular weight (MW) distribution and organics characteristics of the froth layer and each layer wastewater were analyzed by ultrafiltration membrane filtration combined with mass balance, three-dimensional fluorescence excitation-emission matrix spectroscopy, ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy, flourier transform infrared spectroscopy and droplet size analysis. The results showed that the cutting fluid wastewater contained 66.74 % organics with MW > 100 kDa and 17.04 % organics with MW < 1 kDa, and the organics might contain aromatic and heterocyclic compounds. After three times of freezing-air thawing: 27.53 % of organic matter was volatilized into the air; the froth layer was mainly macromolecular organic matter with MW > 100 kDa, accounting for 94.59 %; from the froth layer to the fourth layer wastewater, the content of macromolecules with MW > 100 kDa gradually decreased, while the content of small molecules with MW < 1 kDa gradually increased. The results of molecular weight distribution analysis, spectroscopy analysis and droplet size analysis indicated that during the freezing-air thawing process, there was not only the demulsification maybe but also the destruction of molecular structure. The molecular weight distribution of the mixture of the froth layer and the fourth layer wastewater were close to that of the raw cutting fluid wastewater, so the mixture of the froth layer and the fourth layer wastewater could be reused in metal process. The wastewater in the first, second and third layers had better biodegradability, which could be treated by biological method.

Low density lipoprotein-pectin complexes stabilized high internal phase pickering emulsions: The effects of pH conditions and mass ratios

The present work aimed to explore the feasibility of using egg yolk low density lipoproteins (LDL) as naturally occurring nanoparticles to prepare high internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPEs), and to understand the role of pectin (PE) as a natural food thickener in improving the emulsifying stability to prepare HIPEs. Colloidal complexes were formed spontaneously via electrostatic interactions upon mixing PE and LDL at acidic pH condition. The colloidal characteristics of LDL-PE complexes were studied by dynamic light scattering method, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and viscosity measurements, as well as interfacial activities. Lastly, the capability of complexes as a stabilizer to prepare HIPEs was then comprehensively investigated as functions of pH conditions and mass ratios of LDL and PE. The results indicated that the particle sizes and surface activities of LDL-PE complexes were highly dependent on the electrostatic interactions. The interactions between LDL and PE slightly reduced at neutral pH conditions or higher concentrations of PE, which were more favorable to form stable particles with smaller size and higher surface activity, and thus greater stability of HIPEs. Although the interfacial tensions of LDL increased with the existence of PE, the stability of LDL-PE stabilized HIPEs (LP-HIPEs) was greatly enhanced compared with the free LDL stabilized ones. LDL and PE formed non-covalent network among the emulsion droplets and the oil-water interface of HIPEs, inducing stable gel structure. Droplet size analysis and morphological observation under optical microscopes together with digital photos revealed the homogenous emulsion droplets in a strong gel geometry. Gel-like elastic network structure was confirmed by rheological measurements, and the thick coating layer of LDL-PE complexes on the oil-water interface was further visualized by confocal laser scanning microscope. Our findings are innovative and offer new opportunities to prepare HIPEs from all natural ingredients for future applications in the food industry. • Low density lipoprotein-pectin (LDL-PE) complexes were able to stabilize HIPEs. • Pectin played critical roles in the formation of stable gel-like structure in HIPEs. • Rheological data and microscopical images confirmed the strong gel network. • The HIPEs showed exceptional stability in centrifugation and long-term storage tests. • LDL-PE exhibited superior emulsifying and stabilization capability than LDL alone.

Adsorbent Precoating by Lyophilization: A Novel Green Solvent Technique to Enhance Cinnarizine Release from Solid Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (S-SNEDDS).

Solidification by high surface area adsorbents has been associated with major obstacles in drug release. Accordingly, new approaches are highly demanded to solve these limitations. The current study proposes to improve the drug release of solidified self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) to present dual enhancement of drug solubilization and formulation stabilization, using cinnarizine (CN) as a model drug. The solidification process involved the precoating of adsorbent by lyophilization of the aqueous dispersion of polymer-adsorbent mixture using water as a green solvent. Then, the precoated adsorbent was mixed with drug-loaded liquid SNEDDS to prepare solid SNEDDS. The solid-state characterization of developed cured S-SNEDDS was done using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In vitro dissolution studies were conducted to investigate CN SNEDDS performance at pH 1.2 and 6.8. The solidified formulations were characterized by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), powder flow properties, scanning electron microscopy, and droplet size analysis. In addition, the optimized formulations were evaluated through in vitro lipolysis and stability studies. The cured solid SNEDDS formula by PVP k30 showed acceptable self-emulsification and powder flow properties. XRD and DSC revealed that CN was successfully amorphized into drug-loaded S-SNEDDS. The uncured solid SNEDDS experienced negligible drug release (only 5% drug release after 2 h), while the cured S-SNEDDS showed up to 12-fold enhancement of total drug release (at 2 h) compared to the uncured counterpart. However, the cured S- SNEDDS showed considerable CN degradation and decrease in drug release upon storage in accelerated conditions. The implemented solidification approach offers a promising technique to minimize the adverse effect of adsorbent on drug release and accomplish improved drug release from solidified SNEDDS.

A stable peony seed oil emulsion that enhances the stability, antioxidant activity, and bioaccessibility of curcumin

In this study, a peony seed oil (PSO) emulsion system, which was stabilized using egg yolk powder-pullulan complex particles (EPCPs), was prepared with an oil-phase mass fraction varying from 10% to 80%. The stability of the emulsions and their potential as carriers for curcumin were investigated. There was no phase separation or oiling off of samples at oil-phase mass fractions from 10% to 80%. Analysis of the average droplet size and microstructure showed that the diameter of the droplets increased as PSO was added. All the emulsions were stable under the environmental conditions tested (storage time, pH, salt, and temperature). The oxidation stability of PSO in the emulsion was higher than that of the oil alone, demonstrating the protective effects of the emulsion. Additionally, the emulsion (φ = 50 g/100 g, blank-emulsion) could effectively encapsulate curcumin, forming a curcumin-loaded emulsion (C-emulsion). The stability and bioaccessibility of curcumin in the C-emulsion were higher than in PSO, and the antioxidant activity of the C-emulsion was also higher than that of the single samples. These findings provide insights into the stability of emulsions with a range of oil-phase mass fractions and the potential of emulsions as carriers of bioactive substances.

Comparative analysis of nutritional composition and droplet size of coconut milk due to dilution and emulsification

The high-fat content of coconut milk leads to instability of the emulsion and becomes the major limitation for its application in the food and beverage industries. It is also high in calories, which becomes a major debate among the consumers. Dilution and emulsification are important processes that are used to reduce the effect of high fat during the preservation process. In this study, water, sodium caseinate, and maltodextrin were added to the coconut milk. A sonicator and a high-shear homogenizer were used to homogenize the droplet. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dilution and emulsification on the nutritional quality and stability of the emulsion. The nutritional composition was determined using proximate analysis. The stability of the emulsion was determined based on the properties of the droplets via particle size and microscopic analyses. The dilution process reduced the fat content; however, the addition of additives altered the nutritional quality of the emulsion, especially protein and carbohydrate content. It was also found that the emulsification process improves the particle size of the droplet as it creates a uniform size of the droplet and reduces the primary particle size to less than 6 μm. However, only the sonicated coconut milk has high stability with a creaming index of 0%.